576990 Wed Dec 03 09:47:34 -0800 2008 8 34 Wine 0 4217419 Hi everyone, In my quest to better improve my knowledge for the good of my family, friends & customers, I was wondering if y'all have any recommendations that don't cost major $$$ in the SF Bay Area? (The CIA course sounds lovely, but I don't have an extra $750 lying around) This could be a great gift idea for my family as we're just doing edible gifts this time around. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks! Wed Dec 03 09:47:34 -0800 2008 125609 BigWoodenSpoon 1 4218122 Google "Tim Hanni" Wed Dec 03 13:27:27 -0800 2008 4217419 196217 Brad Ballinger 2 4219270 http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/481666#3318986 Wed Dec 03 21:31:31 -0800 2008 4218122 18222 maria lorraine 1 4219087 1) Google "Tim Hanni" 2) Google / look at / order Andrea Immer Robinson and her books, "Great Wines Made Simple" and "Great Tastes Made Simple." Also, "Everyday Dining with Wine." Wed Dec 03 19:43:26 -0800 2008 4217419 28122 zin1953 2 4219274 I like Evan Goldstein and his book Perfect Pairings a lot. It's one of the best. Where are you, BWS? I'll base my class recs on your location. Wed Dec 03 21:34:14 -0800 2008 4219087 18222 maria lorraine 3 4220040 SF Bay Area: Alameda Thanks! Thu Dec 04 08:58:32 -0800 2008 4219274 125609 BigWoodenSpoon 4 4220621 I recommend you contact Peter Granoff at the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant...I've taken several of his classes. He's a wonderful teacher, very clear,and uses food along with the pairings. (Thats what I think is the reason for the cost of the CIA class -- they use lots of expensive food and wine in the classes). Call Peter at the store and talk to him. Peter also does "guest classes" at various wineries around the area. Email me at the address on my profile if you'd like other options on classes in the Napa Valley -- day classes, multi-day seminars, multi-week classes, etc. I like the Page/Dornenbook also, but have found some of the pairing recs off. Have you read their new book on Flavor? Maria Thu Dec 04 12:07:00 -0800 2008 4220040 18222 maria lorraine 5 4220705 I find the "Flavor" book much better than the slightly earlier book. I found "Culinary Artistry" very useful as an alternative to creating my own database, but found "What to Drink with What You Eat" not as useful. Thu Dec 04 12:39:46 -0800 2008 4220621 10133 wally 1 4219282 A very good comprehensive source is "What to Drink with What you Eat" by Andrew Dornenburg & Karen Page. $750 not necessary. Wed Dec 03 21:37:22 -0800 2008 4217419 104459 drumwine